If the stellar reviews that are pouring in for The Batman don’t convince you to give the movie a go, here’s another push from my side to book those tickets! The Batman is a certified hit that lures both fanatics and newcomers with its brand-new take on the Caped Crusader.
This new rendition also brings to the forefront four villains with complicated ties, which you should definitely know more about before watching The Batman. The comics, on the other hand, are ones that director Matt Reeves has derived inspiration from to create the film.
So whether you’re hesitant or excited for this movie, I’ve made a list of characters and comic books that will ease you into this new narrative.
1. Characters
I. Riddler
After Joker, Riddler is one of the most famous Batman-archenemies to exist, both in comics and on-screen. Yup, you won’t believe the number of times this character has appeared in different live-actions and animations.
His tactics are a bit on the nose, using elaborate riddles or puzzles in his foul plans. The Batman’s version is no different, except here he seems to have a skewered sense of justice, where he targets elite Gotham citizens and livestreams their murders. (The age of the internet can sure make things gory).
He invites Batman (and us, the audience) to figure out just exactly why he picks his victims.
II. Penguin
Just how Bruce is his early years of being Batman, expect to see Penguin in his early days as well. He’s not yet the shrewd, masterful crime lord that we often see in the comics.
But a few things do match the comics, like his physical appearance of using a monocle and umbrella as well as the fact that he operates the Iceberg Lounge. The lounge will be quite a point of interest in the movie, as that’s where Selina/Catwoman works as well!
Director Reeves explains at this stage, Penguin is still a mid-level mobster who’s tired of being underestimated and in fact, hates his nickname of “Penguin.” This is a great way to do a soft backstory for the villain who may rise to prominence in a sequel.
III. Carmine Falcone
Falcone is a mob boss with powerful connections, including those with the Wayne family. In the comics, the character was introduced years later after villains like Joker and Penguin. As such, even his style of depravity differs from them as he yearns to control the city through power and money.
John Turturro’s Falcone will have quite a few notable moments on-screen, so do play attention to how The Batman uncovers his backstory and schemes.
IV. Salvatore Maroni
Maroni is yet another feared gangster in Gotham’s crime world. Fun fact: He’s the one responsible for Harvey Dent’s transformation into the villain Two-Faced.
Now this is a character you won’t see in the movie, but he not only is he mentioned enough times, his downfall is why Falcone gets an upper hand in the movie. Stay alert to understand why Maroni’s absence plays a big role in the mystery that Bruce is trying to solve.
2. Comic Books
I. Batman: Zero Year, Year One and, Year Two
While Zero Year tries to establish a different origin story, Year One and Two both follow Batman in his early years of vigilantism. Since the film will be looking at a much younger Bruce Wayne, you might enjoy acquainting yourself with other stories that dive into his formative years.
II. Batman: The Court of Owls
This comic’s plot is quite in line with what is teased in The Batman — that is, a series of brutal murders leads the Caped Crusader down a crime mystery that rocks his city’s secrets and his own legacy. The villains, of course, are different which gives the shared premise quite a fresh take.
III. The Long Halloween
The Long Halloween once again is about a younger Batman, at the start of his superhero career. He has to track down the mysterious killer Holiday, who well, only kills on holidays each month. You can see how Bruce works in close quarters with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Captain James Gordon (the latter just like in the movie) to solve the identity of this killer before it’s too late.
IV. Batman: Dark Victory
Read Dark Victory to familiarize yourself with the noir tone that the film will be using. This too follows Batman in his early years and it also serves as a sequel to Long Halloween and Year One. Plus, it perfectly glides into its next series, Catwoman: When in Rome.
About The Batman
The Batman is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. Produced by DC Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Directed by Matt Reeves and written by Peter Craig, the film will feature Twilight star Robert Pattinson in the titular role.
Other cast members include Zoe Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Barry Keoghan, Jayme Lawson, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell.
The brand-new Batman solo will see Bruce Wayne/ Batman in his second year of fighting crime as he explores the corruption that plagues Gotham City and how it may tie to his own family, in addition to coming into conflict with a serial killer known as the Riddler. Set in the parallel universe Earth-2, the movie will be separate from the rest of the DCEU canon.
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